The gustin (CA6) gene polymorphism, rs2274333 (A/G), as a mechanistic link between PROP tasting and fungiform taste papilla density and maintenance

Taste sensitivity to PROP varies greatly among individuals and is associated with polymorphisms in the bitter receptor gene TAS2R38, and with differences in fungiform papilla density on the anterior tongue surface. Recently we showed that the PROP non-taster phenotype is strongly associated with the G variant of polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G) of the gene that controls the salivary trophic factor, gustin. The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the role of gustin gene polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G), in PROP sensitivity and fungiform papilla density and morphology, and 2) to investigate the effect of this gustin gene polymorphism on cell proliferation and metabolic activity. Sixty-four subjects were genotyped for both genes by PCR techniques, their PROP sensitivity was assessed by scaling and threshold methods, and their fungiform papilla density, diameter and morphology were determined. In vitro experiments examined cell proliferation and metabolic activity, following treatment with saliva of individuals with and without the gustin gene mutation, and with isolated protein, in the two iso-forms. Gustin and TAS2R38 genotypes were associated with PROP threshold (p=0.0001 and p=0.0042), but bitterness intensity was mostly determined by TAS2R38 genotypes (p<0.000001). Fungiform papillae densities were associated with both genotypes (p<0.014) (with a stronger effect for gustin; p=0.0006), but papilla morphology was a function of gustin alone (p<0.0012). Treatment of isolated cells with saliva from individuals with the AA form of gustin or direct application of the active iso-form of gustin protein increased cell proliferation and metabolic activity (p<0.0135). These novel findings suggest that the rs2274333 polymorphism of the gustin gene affects PROP sensitivity by acting on fungiform papilla development and maintenance, and could provide the first mechanistic explanation for why PROP super-tasters are more responsive to a broad range of oral stimul

Addressing Peripherality in Italy: A Critical Comparison between Inner Areas and Territorial Capital-Based Evaluations

As highlighted by the UN 2030 Agenda, sustainable development is a complex and multidimensional issue that can be effectively implemented and reached at the local level. This implies the evaluation of differences and disparities between territories in order to define local priorities and support cohesion policy objectives. This need has been addressed by the Italian "National Strategy for Inner Areas", which aims to support the growth of territories with a continuous economic and population decline. However, Inner Areas are identified by a set of indicators related to the low accessibility to Services of General Interest, neglecting other important factors that contribute to this condition. This paper proposes a critical analysis of this measurement and of the related "territorialization" of Inner Areas, by introducing a more comprehensive assessment model based on the concept of Territorial Capital (TC), which highlights a more nuanced understanding of complexities and diversities related to the potential development of a territory. In particular, the proposed model evaluates eight TC dimensions (human, social, cognitive, infrastructural, productive, relational, environmental and settlement capital), which cover a broad spectrum of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to accurately demonstrate the differences between the results of the two evaluation methods, this paper presents the results of a case study application concerning all 377 municipalities, which compose the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy). The findings of this study confirm the potential of an approach based on the Territorial Capital for place-based policymaking. TC, in fact, can become relevant for defining local priorities and supporting complex decisions, allowing governments to better design and tailor interventions for the effective and efficient management of available resources. Furthermore, these results pose new questions for future research developments in the field of sustainable and equitable development

Biomarker dynamics affecting neoadjuvant therapy response and outcome of HER2-positive breast cancer subtype

HER2+ breast cancer (BC) is an aggressive subtype genetically and biologically heterogeneous. We evaluate the predictive and prognostic role of HER2 protein/gene expression levels combined with clinico-pathologic features in 154 HER2+ BCs patients who received trastuzumab-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The tumoral pathological complete response (pCR) rate was 40.9%. High tumoral pCR show a scarce mortality rate vs subjects with a lower response. 93.7% of ypT0 were HER2 IHC3+ BC, 6.3% were HER2 IHC 2+/SISH+ and 86.7% of ypN0 were HER2 IHC3+, the remaining were HER2 IHC2+/SISH+. Better pCR rate correlate with a high percentage of infiltrating immune cells and right-sided tumors, that reduce distant metastasis and improve survival, but no incidence difference. HER2 IHC score and laterality emerge as strong predictors of tumoral pCR after NACT from machine learning analysis. HER2 IHC3+ and G3 are poor prognostic factors for HER2+ BC patients, and could be considered in the application of neoadjuvant therapy. Increasing TILs concentrations, lower lymph node ratio and lower residual tumor cellularity are associated with a better outcome. The immune microenvironment and scarce lymph node involvement have crucial role in clinical outcomes. The combination of all predictors might offer new options for NACT effectiveness prediction and stratification of HER2+ BC during clinical decision-making

Judo in Italy: a proposal for primary school

Judo, intended as educational sport, contributes to the full development of the person. As a matter of fact, thanks to its peculiar characteristics, judo is able to value and to streng then the whole structure of child personality. The authors, following their teaching experience, have realized a judo technical manual, printed by F.I.J.L.K.A.M. (judo wrestling karate and martial arts Italian federation) an published in the federal library

Judo Scuola Primaria

La Commissione per l\u2019attivit\ue0 giovanile della FIJLKAM, dopo la riforma Moratti del 2003, (che prospetta nei nuovi piani di studio la pratica sportiva come uno \u201cstrumento culturale per leggere e governare l\u2019esperienza\u201d), ha costituito un gruppo di lavoro in collaborazione con la Faclt\ue0 di Scienze Motorie di Bologna, con lo scopo di introdurre l\u2019insegnamento del judo nella scuola, avendo individuato la necessit\ue0 di delineare un programma comune, supportato da un manuale . Questo gruppo di lavoro si \ue8 dedicato all\u2019analisi e allo studio della pratica del judo in varie scuole primarie di diverse regioni italiane. I concreti progetti attuati, le molteplici esperienze svolte, i metodi applicati e i vari risultati raccolti e discussi hanno condotto alla elaborazione di uno specifico programma presentato in un relativo manuale (JUDO SCUOLA PRIMARIA), utile agli studenti, ai laureati di scienze motorie e ai tecnici di judo intenzionati ad insegnare il judo in tale ambito

Judo high level competition injuries

the aim of this study was to investigate the injury profile of male and female athletes competing at high level. We analyzed videos of 124 matches, fought by 83 different judoka, during 4 of the most important international judo competitions (interna tional tournaments 2006 and 2007) of all weight categories. We catalogued the injuries by type, level of severity (including the \u201cminor injury\u201d considered by iJF rules) and anatomical region. among 124 fights analysed, we identified 27 injury incidents for 24 athletes (28.9% of the judoka observed). the 55.5% of the injury incidents was soft level of severity, 33.3% medium level and 11.1% serious level. We found that the most common type of injury was musculoskeletal stress to the fingers, and the most common mechanism of injury was during the standing fight when a competitor is being thrown

Judo Primary School: Student Evaluation

To begin teaching a teacher needs to appraise their students in a realistic and individualized way. To evaluate the pupils during a sport course, tools of bodily measurement (weight, height) and suitable motor tests are used. The survey of the students characteristics must be performed at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the Judo course. At the opening the measurements are taken for a consistent evaluation of the qualities of the subjects to program a suitable teaching plan. Then at the half period to verify if the plan is meeting the objectives and finally at the end to check if those objectives have been achieved. In the school everything is more complicated compared to the gym because of the non homogeneity of the students. In a gym Judo course there are also genetic differences between the students, but at school the pupils come from different motor - sport experiences. Another problem to consider is the lack of materials and human resources available at the school. This research has been tested for 3 years in a primary school (children from 5 to 11 years old). Our work has been to develop a valid test to understand what are the most appropriate measurements and how to build simple test instruments, and to make them usable in a school context. The measurements selected to have a profile of the student were: 1. Individuals birth date 2. Height and weight 3. Back flexibility 4. Balance 5. Explosive lower body strength 6. Agility Conclusion: after three years of research the measurements selected have easy availability and simple application. Thanks to their use the teacher is able to make a valid plan and meet the objectives